#New Pension Scheme

The CAT ruled that Delhi Police constables appointed on compassionate grounds may be transferred from the New Pension Scheme to the Old Pension Scheme when the recruitment process started before the OPS cut-off date, even if they joined after 1 January 2004. The tribunal held that laches and lack of prior notice do not defeat the entitlement. This benefits all compassionate-appointment employees seeking OPS benefits.

Rajasthan High Court rules that employees whose recruitment process commenced before 01.01.2004 are entitled to Old Pension Scheme benefits, even if appointment was delayed due to administrative or judicial proceedings. The ruling reinforces that arbitrary denial of pension benefits violates principles of equality and legitimate expectation for similarly situated employees.

Uttarakhand High Court holds that service rendered on deputation before formal absorption under statutory rules does not qualify for pension benefits under the New Pension Scheme. Only service from the absorption date is reckonable, impacting government employees transitioning from public sector undertakings to government departments.

Telangana High Court holds that candidates selected before 2004 but appointed after implementation of NPS are entitled to Old Pension Scheme if delay was administrative.